A chance to tour a sprawling Scarsdale estate.
May 18, 2013
Imagine growing up in 10,000 square feet? As someone who was raised in a home with two sisters and one bathroom, I cannot. But a family did reside in this 21-room mansion on Cooper Lane in Scarsdale back in the 1960s, and they donated the space to regional designers for this year’s Designer Showhouse of Westchester County. The house is all Gatsby, thanks to the creative crew of designers who worked on the house, filled with Hollywood Regency glam style and over-the-top upholstery, rugs and light fixtures.
While a tour is not something you’ll want to do with the kids, anyone who loves to tour houses will enjoy moseying around this grand estate. While exploring the first floor, all I could think was…what would anyone possibly do with all of these rooms??
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Shorts aren't just for days at the park any more....
May 17, 2013
Tailored shorts are all the rage this spring. Ranging in fabrics from leather to embellished silk to lace, shorts have been revolutionized and are now totally appropriate for date nights out. The key to getting it right is the length — not too short but not too long — to show off the right amount of leg. Add to that the golden rule of balance. When wearing this season’s mid-thigh shorts, don’t go skimpy on top too. Paired with a tank and blazer, linen sweater or my go-to, a denim shirt, shorts can be a chic, sophisticated look with flats or wedges.
Here are a few of my top pics this spring. These are not your mama’s shorts…
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Buy some fine crafts and sing some African folk songs. All in the name of spring.
May 16, 2013
With Mother’s Day behind us and Memorial Day in our sights, this weekend sort of feels like an ‘in-between’ one. Before school lets out and the weekend summer BBQs begin, here are some better than average activities for you and your tykes.

On Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at 10am, stop by the Outdoor Crafts Festival at the Bruce Museum. While you peruse the ceramics, jewelry, decorative and wearable fiber, wood accessories and furniture, and glass from over 80 fine craft artists from across the country, the kids can keep themselves busy with fun, educational activities. There will also be some great live music and yummy international cuisine. $8 admission for adults, free for members and children under 5. 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich. [...]

Starter homes for some. For others, houses at this price point are just right.
May 15, 2013
We’re launching a new real estate column this morning called “Houses You Can Get For.” In this column, we’ll feature five houses at different price points selling throughout Westchester. Everyone in our area is a bit obsessed with real estate, us included. I think it’s because we all overpay to live here, so it’s natural to be curious about what’s out there. (It’s also why I cringe when I’m watching HGTV and see houses that look like mine that cost less than four years of college tuition at NYU.)

This week, we’re looking at houses listed for about $750,000, like this Tarrytown house that boasts over 2,000 feet. Sweet. Click for more real estate eye candy and/or eye rolls. [...]

The thrill of the hunt and bargain prices!
May 14, 2013
The momma of all tag sales, The Brimfield Antique Show, is May 14 to 19 and although Sturbridge, Massachusetts isn’t that far from here, I sadly won’t be making the trip. (Wee Westchester’s Brooke Foster goes every year!)
However, Westchester has a few big tag sales, over the next few weeks. So, mark your calendars and bring cash!

Annual Tag Sale to Benefit the Hudson Chorale
When: May 17 & 18, 9am – 4pm. Early birds may shop from 8am – 9am for $10. Rain or shine.
Where: 107 Bedford Road, Pleasantville (corner of Manville Road & Route 117).
What: Come find treasures in a variety of categories, like antiques, collectibles, jewelry, small appliances, housewares, CDs, DVDs, books, toys, sports equipment, gently used clothing and accessories, decorative art. [...]

Find this cool summer trend at local stores.
May 13, 2013
Beading, vibrant hues, tribal prints, carefree shapes — One of the hottest trends of the moment could be described in one word. Boho. Actually, two words: Luxe Boho. We’re seeing this global-influenced style all over the pages of magazines like the May Harper’s Bazaar, and blogged about by the best style blogs (Check out the story at Elements of Style). So we shopped this cool summer style locally. Thanks to all the amazing Westchester shops, here is our shopping list…

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I know I shouldn't compare myself to other moms, but sometimes I do.
May 12, 2013
Sometimes I compare myself to other moms. That’s my secret. I know it sounds petty and it’s not something we talk about at play dates. I don’t think I’m trying to be “a perfect mom,” but I want to be a better mom — and some moms look like they have it all figured out.
There are countless articles, books and blogs written on the subject, like “The Good Enough Mother” and “The Not So Perfect Mother”. There is even a disease “Perfect Mom Sydrome” or PMS. (Do you have it? Go to perfectmomsydrome.com and take the online test.) Rationally, I know the perfect mom is an illusion. Still, when I come across a mom who speaks to her child calmly when she’s melting down about a broken barrette or packs a lunch that I want to eat myself, I do wonder.

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Jene Luciani, Westchester mom and renowned bra expert, will find you the perfect fit.
May 11, 2013
Can anyone remember when they bought their first training bra? For me, it was a rainy Memorial Day when I was 12. My cousin took me to Bloomingdale’s and I can recall being on top of the world when we left the store, a white cotton snap-front in hand. As grown women, especially after having children, our relationship with our boobs may be a little more complicated. And let’s face it, buying a bra as an adult is way more challenging than it was in our Sweet Valley High/Babysitter’s Club adolesence.

So we’d like you to meet style expert and author of The Bra Book Jené Luciani, although you may already know her from her regular appearances on shows like Today, Access Hollywood, and Dr. Oz. We asked her to give her best bra buying advice (what size is right for me? How many bras should I own?), as well as the most legit local shops for where to buy them. Here’s what she has to say: [...]

Our Favorite Style Ideas from the past 365.
May 10, 2013
While strolling the streets of Soho and 5th Ave are no longer a fixture on our weekend agendas, we aren’t willing to sacrifice style. Luckily, we’ve found a world of beautiful new shops and boutiques in Westchester. Coupled with our love of all things pretty, we’re committed to taking care of ourselves — okay, the weekly manicure appointment isn’t exactly weekly any more — but health & fitness remains a priority. We owe it ourselves and our families. Here’s our favorite Style Ideas for us(!), our family & homes, and our well-being.
Thank you to our featured sponsors who we love for fabulous handbags, accessories, refreshment and indulgences!


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Posted by Elizabeth D. tagged as beauty, fashion, Health & Fitness, home and garden, shop, style in beauty,fashion,health & fitness,home & garden,shop,style
The Golden Knives Challenge is a fun twist on dining out.
May 9, 2013
The Golden Knives Challenge, Westchester’s first cooking challenge featuring local chefs, started this Tuesday, May 7, and continues for the next 2 weeks. Located at a pop-up restaurant at The Lodge at Hudson Harbor in Tarrytown, an attractive space with floor to ceiling windows and barn doors, you can join the fun and pretend like you’re Padma and Tom! Each night two chefs battle it out with an appetizer, main course and dessert and at the end of the meal, votes are cast for the winner.

We had the pleasure of attending the first night with Chefs Alex Sze (Juniper in Hastings-on-Hudson) and Carl Van Dekker (Village Dog in Tarrytown). The meal was much more fun than the usual restaurant experience. We knew the chefs were on their game since this was a contest. Plus, there is something exciting about knowing that a chef is trying to impress. The courses were perfectly sized so you could enjoy all of them and the ingredients were varied so it was small plate heaven. We even tasted a vegetable for the first time – ramps, otherwise known as a spring onion or a wild leek. The ramps were especially tasty the way Carl Van Dekker prepared them: creamed with cotechino (sausage) and polenta and in a salad as part of his Trio of Peas. [...]

A special selection of Mother's Day happenings.
May 9, 2013
I’m not willing to believe the forecast for rain this weekend, so let’s plan on a party cloudy lovely Mother’s Day. If you don’t have plans yet, take a look at these options. There’s quite a few things to this Mother’s Day.

There’s a Mother’s Day Garden Party at the New York Botanical Garden this weekend, and it sounds amazing (unless it rains). On Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, head to the garden for lawn games, kite flying, hands-on nature activities for kids. But here’s the real draw: Some of NYC’s best food trucks (Think: Kimchi Taco and Gorilla Cheese) are pulling up for the weekend. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap family photos. On Sunday, there’s an interactive performance of Jack and the Beanstalk as well as poetry readings. You need tickets so be sure to buy them ahead. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx [...]

Our favorite local eateries and recipes from the past year.
May 8, 2013
Although we’re technically no longer Manhattanites, we’re pretty lucky to have an abundance of culinary delights to choose from right in our backyard. Whether looking for a romantic bistro for a date night, a quick spot to grab a salad with the girls in between carpool, or a friendly place where your five year old’s temper tantrum won’t make you banned for life, this Best of Yum feature highlights some of our favorite local restaurants — and at home recipes — that made our mouths water.
Let’s raise a glass to our sponsors below…thank you for filling our bellies with your delicious eats and for making us city transplants feel like we never left the big apple.

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